Realistically, however, any chance of being a playoff contender is nothing more than a fantasy at this point, even in a year where parity is at its highest.
After all that money spent this offseason — with the additions of wide receivers Kenny Golladay and Kadarius Toney and cornerback Adoree’ Jackson and the return of running back Saquon Barkley — this group couldn’t even meet the modest expectations from ownership to show substantial progress and be in contention for a playoff spot.
Not necessarily in the next few weeks, but almost certainly when the season ends, with all eyes on general manager Dave Gettleman and offensive coordinator Jason Garrett.
He returned after missing four games with an ankle injury and had 25 yards on six carries and six catches for another 31 yards.
Sure, this was Barkley’s first time playing in six weeks after an ankle injury he wouldn’t provide many details on the other day.
Clearly you can’t let Brady sit back there unthreatened by the defense.
He was healthy on Monday night, finally past the knee injury that cost him three games earlier this season, and he saw two targets.
Brady threw a quick slip-screen to wide receiver Mike Evans that clanked off his hands and popped into the air deep in Tampa Bay territory.
It’s probably not an accident the Giants’ offensive linemen ran a drill early in Saturday’s practice where they were catching passes.